I've noticed that you can directly upload a photo from your personal computer as part of a post to DC. It becomes an attachment that is part of your post.

This seems easier than uploading your photo(s) to an alternative web site and then linking to it in your post.

I wonder if an admin could explain the pros and cons of each approach?

For example, I'm assuming that an uploaded image that's attached to your post will never "disappear" from your DC post- this would be a definite plus. On the other hand, you don't appear to be able to "reuse" photos that were attached in one post in a subsequent post - this is kinda a minus.

Inquiring minds plus the idly curious want to know...

The good thing about using imageshack or other hosts is - they store the pic on their site and we don't waste any space here. Bandwidth = $$$ while hotlinking is free. Another thing about using a host is, your picture won't last forever. The pic you post here using imageshack will turn into the dreaded red X after some time.

If you directly upload your pics here as an attachment in your post from your computer, they will stay here forever.

So I guess the best thing for DC members is to upload attachments in our posts like maidrite does. That way we know our pics will always be here for good.